Iowa author and native, Linda Betsinger McCann will be speaking in Traer and Clutier on August 30 about two of her books, “Prohibition in Eastern Iowa” and “Prisoners of War in Iowa”. Everyone is invited and there is no admission.

On August 30 beginning at 2 p.m., Linda will be at the Traer Public Library speaking on “Prisoners of War in Iowa”. From 1942 to 1946, about 25,000 German, Italian and Japanese prisoners of war were in Iowa. Algona and Clarinda were the main camps, with each housing about 3,000 POWs. There were 19 branch camps around Iowa, and the closest was at Toledo. Linda has spoken with people who worked with and knew the POWs. She shares their memories.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on August 30, Linda will speak at the Clutier City Hall, 214 Main Street, about her book “Prohibition in Eastern Iowa”. Linda spoke with the children of moonshiners and bootleggers to find out why farmers began using their corn to make liquor during the years Prohibition was law. From 1920 to 1933, it was illegal to manufacture, transport or sell liquor anywhere in the U.S. She will share information specific to the Clutier area.

Linda will have copies of all her books available for purchase. They are $20 each, and she can only take cash or checks.